Virgil Ernest Blew, 75, of rural Bloomfield, Iowa passed away on April 1, 2026, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on March 14, 1951, in Bloomfield to Darrell and Mary Frances Robertson Blew. Virgil married Judith Bridgeman on April 18, 1970, at the Dunnville Baptist Church in Davis County, Iowa. They celebrated 55 years of marriage and had three children: Kari, Mechell, and Shawn.
Virgil drove a maintainer for Davis County for several years before going to work for John Deere Ottumwa Works where he worked as a welder. After 31 years with John Deere, he retired in 2005. Virgil also served in the National Guard for five years.
In his younger years, Virgil enjoyed fishing, watching car races, mushroom hunting, helping his father with the sheep, gambling, and working on cars with his son. The last several years have been spent bird watching – especially looking for Cardinals and Bluebirds, watching television, and spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; two daughters, Kari (Clay) Kleinman of Ottumwa, Iowa, Mechell Blew of East Moline, Illinois; son, Shawn (Amanda) Blew of Ottumwa, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Natasha Shelton, Emily Shelton, Tyler Cramer, Austin Cramer, Arianna Blew, Javier Ramirez, Manuel Ramirez; great-grandson, Liam Steffan with another great-grandson on the way in July 2026, Luca Steffan; his mother, Mary Frances Blew of Ottumwa; two brothers, Steve (Renetta) Blew of Bloomfield, Donnie (Vickie) Blew of Moulton, Iowa; two sisters, LaDonna (Mike) Burns of Atlanta, Georgia, Julie (Roger) Goode of Ottumwa; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father; grandparents, Virgil and Mary Robertson, Ernest and Emma Blew; and great-grandson, Phoenix.
A special thank you to Debra Cox and all the hospice team at Good Samaritan Society Hospice – Ottumwa for the wonderful care and emotional support given to Virgil and his family.
Virgil’s wish was to be cremated. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield with Pastor Robert Baker officiating. A private family burial will be at the IOOF Cemetery in Bloomfield at a later date. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday with the family present to greet friends from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Good Samaritan Society Hospice – Ottumwa.
